Air France-KLM next to order long-haul aircraft

The board of Air France-KLM will meet later this month to discuss the purchase of up to 100 long-haul aircraft.

Following the example set by American Airlines earlier this week, the order is expected to be split between European manufacturer Airbus and American rival Boeing.

According to reports in La Tribune, the airline group is looking for 100 lightweight, fuel-saving aircraft in the mid-sized 250-300 seat range and is comparing the Boeing 787 Dreamliner with the future Airbus A350.

The paper suggested half the orders would be firm and the rest options.

A finalised proposal is expected in September.

The order would be worth around USD$25 billion at list prices, but airlines will expect to negotiate discounts when renewing fleets.